Gaming / Headsets and headphones

SonyMusic headset
WH-1000XM4
Released August 2020.9Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Retrospective price and release-date section states August 2020 retail. This corroborates the actual month, separate from August 6 announcement/preorder. Last checked 23 October 2026.
- Form factor
- Over-ear
- Audio connections
- Analog, Bluetooth
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- Battery life (claimed, max)
- 38h
86 of 161 fields known.
General
- Model numbers
- WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- GTIN / EAN
- Not available
- Announced
- 6 August 20204Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
- Status
- Not available
- Predecessor
- Sony WH-1000XM316Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
- Successor
- Sony WH-1000XM517Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.18Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.
- Launch price (EU)
- Not available
- Colours
- Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Silent White4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 20265Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-launches-new-limited-edition-wh-1000xm4-silent-whiteRead 5 October 2026April 20, 2021 maker release adds Silent White to Black and Silver. Matching accessories and an extra topcoat are finish changes.6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4/buyRead 5 October 2026Current official indexed store identifies Midnight Blue WH1000XM4L.CE7. Other finishes have launch evidence. Direct store body unavailable. Only public official indexed label/image read.
Design
- Form factor
- Over-ear1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Ear cup enclosure
- Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Wearing style
- Headband1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- RGB lighting
- Not available
- Lighting zones
- Not available
Drivers and sound
- Driver type
- Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Drivers per side
- Not available
- Diaphragm material
- Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Exact official indexed specification says aluminium-coated LCP. Direct page body unavailable. No full direct access claimed.
- Magnet
- Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Frequency response (wired or passive)
- Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026JEITA headphone acoustic response 4 Hz to 40 kHz. Not Bluetooth radio or microphone response.
- Wireless audio transmission band
- Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026A2DP transmission 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling. LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps supports 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The stored maximum requires those LDAC settings.
- Impedance (passive when specified)
- 16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered impedance 40 ohms. Passive impedance 16 ohms, used here.
- Sensitivity (passive when specified)
- 101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered sensitivity 105 dB/mW. Passive sensitivity 101 dB/mW, used here.
- Sensitivity reference
- Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- THD (claimed)
- Not available
- Max input power
- Not available
- Max digital audio sample rate
- Not available
- Max digital audio bit depth
- Not available
- DAC
- Not available
- Personalised sound
- Not available
- Onboard EQ
- Not available
- Custom EQ bands
- Not available
- EQ presets
- Not available
- Volume limit
- Not available
Spatial audio
- Spatial audio support
- Sony 360 Reality Audio4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio requires compatible services and content. No Dolby/DTS licence or head tracking inferred.
- Spatial audio licence included
- Not available
- Head tracking
- Not available
Noise cancelling
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- ANC type
- Not available
- ANC levels
- Not available
- ANC attenuation (claimed)
- Not available
- Transparency mode
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- Adjustable transparency
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Ambient sound adjusted in the app. Quick Attention is a temporary gesture, not another ANC strength level.
- Conversation detection
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Speak-to-Chat detects speech and pauses music. Separate from manual Quick Attention.
- Wind noise reduction
- Not available
Measured
- Frequency response notes
- The measured response has a bass emphasis compared with the SoundGuys preference curve. The review compares noise attenuation across frequencies and identifies strong low-frequency ANC. No graph peak is used as a band-average dB value.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026SoundGuys exact-model lab measurements. Firmware and codec not stated. Qualitative bass comparison only. No MDAQS score converted to dB.
- Bass amount
- Not available
- Treble amount
- Not available
- Deviation from target
- Not available
- Consistency between fittings
- Not available
- Harmonic distortion
- Not available
- Sound leakage
- Not available
- Measured noise isolation
- Not available
- Noise isolation (measured, best)
- Not available
- Passive isolation (measured)
- Not available
- Mic quality notes
- Recorded microphone samples show usable speech pickup with mixed results in background noise. Earlier preproduction and later samples are not assigned a shared firmware or codec.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Recorded speech demos inspected. The original 19 h 59 min battery result used preproduction hardware and is omitted. Public numeric latency, THD, clamping, leakage and weighed mass not found.
- Mic low-frequency extension
- Not available
- Mic high-frequency extension
- Not available
- Mic speech-to-noise ratio
- Not available
- Measured latency
- Not available
- Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
- Not available
- 2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
- Not available
- Measured battery life
- Not available
- Battery life (measured, max)
- Not available
- Clamping force
- Not available
- Weight (measured)
- Not available
Microphone
- Microphone
- Built-in1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Microphone element
- MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Microphone pickup pattern
- Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Total microphones
- Not available
- Mic frequency response
- Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Effective microphone range 50 Hz to 8 kHz. MEMS omnidirectional microphones.
- Mic sensitivity
- Not available
- Mic signal-to-noise
- Not available
- Mic sample rate
- Not available
- Flip to mute
- Not available
- Mute button
- Not available
- Mute indicator
- Not available
- Adjustable sidetone
- Not available
- Foam microphone windscreen
- Not available
Connectivity
- Audio connections
- Analog, Bluetooth1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Analog source plugs
- 3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. 3.5 mm TRS, not a TRRS voice cable. Included OFC cable approximately 1.2 m.
- Cable connector on headset
- 3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Longest included cable
- 1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Headset USB plug or port
- USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Wireless receiver
- Not available
- Wireless receiver connector
- Not available
- Wireless range (claimed)
- 10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate line-of-sight range 10 m. No indoor range guarantee.
- Bluetooth codecs
- SBC, AAC, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- LE Audio
- Not available
- Auracast
- Not available
- Multipoint devices
- 23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- Paired devices remembered
- 83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Up to eight remembered devices. A ninth pairing replaces the oldest. Two active connections are a separate count.
- Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
- Not available
- Fast pairing
- Google Fast Pair4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Google Fast Pair.
- Base station
- Not available
Latency
We could not find any of these 2 fields. Show them
- Low latency mode
- Not available
- Claimed latency
- Not available
Compatibility
- Compatible platforms
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- Connection per platform
Platform Connection Microphone works Windows Bluetooth Yes macOS Bluetooth Yes Android Bluetooth Yes iOS Bluetooth Yes - Official licence
- Not available
Battery and charging
- Battery capacity
- Not available
- Swappable battery
- No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 132 requires Sony dealer replacement of the built-in battery. No user hot-swapping.
- Batteries included
- Not available
- Claimed battery life
Connection ANC Codec Hours (h) Bluetooth Yes AAC 30 Bluetooth No AAC 38 Bluetooth Yes SBC 30 Bluetooth No SBC 38 Bluetooth Yes LDAC 24 Bluetooth No LDAC 30 Analog Yes Not available 22 Analog No Not available 36 - Battery life (claimed, max)
- 38h
- Battery life with ANC (claimed)
- 30h
- Battery life without ANC (claimed)
- 38h
- Charging port
- USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Full charge time
- 180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately three hours using a 1.5 A adapter. Separate from the ten-minute quick-charge claim.
- Quick charge time
- 10min4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
- Use while charging
- No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 20 disables all operations, including music, while connected to USB charging power.
- Charging dock or stand
- Not available
Controls
- Controls
- Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- Volume control
- Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
- Game and chat mix
- Not available
- Remappable controls
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 allows assigning the CUSTOM button. Assistant assignment replaces its noise-control function.
- Voice assistant
- Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 108-117 Google Assistant, Alexa, Android Google app and iPhone Siri. Device, app and region restrictions apply. Google app/Siri use touch hold, without wake words. Assistant assignment can exclude other routes.
Comfort and build
- Headband type
- Padded8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly describes headband padding and pressure at the crown.
- Headband material
- Not available
- Frame material
- Not available
- Ear cup material
- Not available
- Ear pad material
- Low-rebound urethane foam12Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Comfort section specifies low-rebound urethane in the pads. This is cushion fill. Generic pleather wording does not establish the covering of a named part.
- Ear pad opening
- Not available
- Ear tips included
- Not available
- Dust and water rating
- Not available
Software
- Companion app
- Sony | Sound Connect7Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/software/00269130Read 5 October 2026Exact supported-software page names current Sound Connect. The older manual Headphones Connect name is historical.
- App platforms
- Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Manual Apple App Store and Google Play installation instructions. Current Sound Connect name sourced separately.
- User firmware updates
- Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Dimensions and weight
- Headset dimensions
- Not available
Certifications
- Hi-Res Audio
- Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Exact original product displays Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos. SBC/AAC do not inherit 40 kHz transmission. Wireless range retains LDAC conditions. Documented NFC cannot be represented in this headset schema.
- Communication certifications
- Not available
- FCC ID
- Not available
- Other certifications
- Not available
In the box
- In the box
- WH-1000XM4 headphones, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Headphone cable, Carrying case, Airplane plug adapter, Documentation1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Japanese accessory table. Silent White has matching white accessories with the same functions. No AC adapter inherited from another region.
- Cables included
Type Length (m) Count USB-A to USB-C charging cable 0.2 1 3.5 mm stereo headphone cable 1.2 1
Links
- Product page
- www.sony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original 2020 WH-1000XM4. This excludes the 2026 WH-1000XM4C and in-ear WF-1000XM4. The Japanese full specification was decoded as CP932.
- Spec sheet
- www.sony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.html1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
- Manual
- helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdf3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact 151-page English guide. Printed pages 19-22 charging/runtime, 25 pairing memory, 77-78 wired audio, 108-118 assistants/app, and computer calling chapters inspected.
- EPREL registration number
- Not available
Warranty
We could not find any of these 1 fields. Show them
- Manufacturer warranty (source market)
- Not available
Compare with
Pick a headset to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.
Sources
We read 18 sources for this headset. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.
- Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.html
- Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdf
- Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4/buy
- Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4
- Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.html
- Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_3.html
- Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdf
See a wrong value? Tell us and name the field.
PredecessorSony WH-1000XM3
SuccessorSony WH-1000XM5





